How far is Dubuque, IA from Fort Madison, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Fort Madison, IA is about 168 miles (270.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.5 miles (214.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 41m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 20m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Muscatine and Scott counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Fort Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Fort Madison.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Take the ramp straight toward US 61 South, US 151 South
1021 ft · 28 sec
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3
Continue straight
65.2 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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4
Take the exit slight right
5.3 mi · 7 min
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline
6.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 61 South: West River Drive, Muscatine
1459 ft · 39 sec
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7
Turn right onto West River Drive
1179 ft · 15 sec · West River Drive
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8
Continue on 140th Street
20.3 mi · 23 min · 140th Street
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9
Continue on Douglas King Memorial Expressway
7.2 mi · 8 min · Douglas King Memorial Expressway
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10
Turn right onto Grandview Avenue
18 mi · 20 min · Grandview Avenue
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11
Continue on James L Hodges Avenue
27.6 mi · 34 min · James L Hodges Avenue
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12
Continue on 71st Street
5.7 mi · 7 min · 71st Street
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13
Continue on Highway 61
1.6 mi · 2 min · Highway 61
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14
Continue on 71st Street
708 ft · 9 sec · 71st Street
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15
Continue on 354th Avenue
4.8 mi · 6 min · 354th Avenue
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16
Take the exit slight right
1924 ft · 54 sec
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17
Turn left onto 354th Avenue
3.4 mi · 5 min · 354th Avenue
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18
Continue on 2nd Street
1442 ft · 25 sec · 2nd Street
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19
Turn slight right onto Avenue H
1.2 km · 1 min · Avenue H
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20
Turn left onto Avenue I
42 m · 12 sec · Avenue I
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21
Turn left
19 m · 4 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Fort Madison.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 61 South
Continue straight
65.2 mi · 01h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Dubuque and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Fort Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Fort Madison?
The road trip is about 168 miles (270.4 km) and usually takes 03h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Blue Grass is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84 miles from Dubuque and 84 miles from Fort Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.5 miles (214.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.36 one way or $44.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Dubuque and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Fort Madison.
Stop Ideas Near Blue Grass
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Blue Grass.
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Galesburg station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Fort Madison. Straight-line distance: 133.56 mi (214.95 km).
#1 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Madison
City and county seat in Lee County, Iowa
| Population | 10,263 |
| Coordinates | 40.6297600, -91.3151500 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Madison (-91.31515, 40.62976)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 270 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.36 | $44.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.22 | $50.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.60 | $55.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.45 | $62.91 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.